Joint Pain Relief: Does Glucosamine Really Work?

Editor's Note: This article has been recently updated with latest information and research studies.

Kelly Everson

Joint pain is a major problem as we age, and studies seem to suggest that the use of this supplement could help reduce* pain and prevent further deterioration of cartilage.

Of all the different supplements that are used on a regular basis in the United States, glucosamine is one of the most popular. It’s a non-vitamin, non-mineral supplement that does naturally occur within the body’s joints, which is why it’s widely utilized to provide relief to joint pain. But as with all supplements, the big question that most people want answered is simply ‘does it actually work?’ The answer to that is that it really depends on who you talk to.

There have been numerous studies concerning the use of this supplement, including a 12.5 million dollar clinical trial performed in 2006. The study was interesting in that of those in the study, the combined treatment of glucosamine and chondroitin was much more effective than a placebo while individual treatment with just one of the supplements was only moderately better. In other words, when combined with the equally popular chondroitin, it seemed to be highly effective.

Additional studies have been mixed, with some results finding that there were serious benefits to the use of the supplements and others that found no real benefits. However, the real proof for many lies in the numerous stories of relief told by those who suffer from joint pain on a regular basis. There is perhaps more anecdotal evidence for this supplement than almost any other on the market, and those who use it swear by its results.

As for how it works, it’s a bit easier to understand. The cartilage between the body’s joints is made up of several compounds including glucosamine and chondroitin. Joint pain is often caused by the breakdown of this cartilage and a resulting ‘gap’ between the bones where no cushioning exists any longer. It’s believed that the use of this supplement helps to prevent the breakdown of the tissue by letting the body absorb the compounds needed to maintain healthy joints and cartilage.

The best way to find out if this supplement works for an individual is simply to try it out. By combining it with chondroitin, there’s a strong possibility that real results and a serious reduction* of pain may occur. It’s well worth trying if you’re serious about getting relief from joint pain, and could be exactly the solution you’ve been searching for.

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